Adjustment to Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Retention Limit
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is adjusting Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits go into effect on May 6, 2022, and extend through December 31, 2022, unless modified by later action.
What is changing?
| Vessel/Permit Type | Default Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip | Adjusted Retention Limit per Vessel per Day/Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Private vessels with a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category permit |
1 school, large school, or small medium (27 to <73”) |
|
| Charter boats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally |
1 school, large school, or small medium |
|
| Headboats with an HMS Charter/Headboat permit fishing recreationally |
1 school, large school, or small medium |
|
Who is affected?
The changes apply to HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally. The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.
Catch reporting
HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessel owners are required to report the
catch of all bluefin retained or discarded dead within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip by:
- Visiting the HMS Permit Shop.
- Using the HMS Catch Reporting app.
- Calling 888-872-8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).